The Client Relationship Executive (Director) drives new business development, maintains client relations, and meets sales goals by initiating sales calls and collaborating with leadership for account strategy execution.
Grant Thornton is seeking a Client Relationship Executive (Director) to join the team in San Jose, CA.
The Client Relationship Executive (CRE) initiates, qualifies (ensures the prospect fits with the firm’s strategic direction), and develops new business with target organizations to meet or exceed pre-agreed-upon sales goals. As a relationship-oriented sales executive, this position is responsible for generating new business opportunities for Grant Thornton across all service lines within a specific geographic market and designated industry verticals. The CRE, working under the direction of a regional sales leader, focuses on a defined list of assigned targets and a select number of existing accounts where there is significant potential for additional revenue expansion. Additionally, the CRE works closely with local office leadership to align pursuit efforts to target account lists and market priorities/initiatives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Originate new sales opportunities by consistently and systematically initiating sales calls and contacts; pursue prospects to secure meetings and win referrals.
- Meet sales production targets and goals with minimal oversight and direction.
- Project executive presence; build effective and collaborative relationships with senior Partners and C-Suite executives.
- Identify key decision makers at client and prospect organizations at the C-Suite and Board levels.
- Possess the ability to have enterprise-level conversations in areas such as Growth, Risk, Profitability & Performance Management.
- Identify winning strategies by understanding the client’s needs; coach Grant Thornton teams through the pursuit life cycle.
- Participate in Grant Thornton services sales presentations and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects.
- Execute account strategy and plan that best leverages Grant Thornton’s resources to meet the prospect’s business needs and issues.
- Participate in trade organizations and informal networks to develop, build, and sustain robust professional relationships.
- In partnership with marketing, execute events and other outreach campaigns to identify and engage targets and build the Grant Thornton brand in the marketplace.
- Work with local office service line leaders to maximize cross-selling opportunities.
- Negotiate and participate in pricing strategy to make Grant Thornton competitive.
- Regularly (daily) and consistently use CRM system to ensure that data reporting, customer information, and sales activity/pipeline are up to date.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree/MBA is a plus.
- Ability to immediately leverage existing network of Boards of Directors, C-Suite Officers, and private investors.
- Over 5 years of business development/sales experience in professional services and/or complex solution selling environments selling at the Board of Directors and C-Suite level.
- Proven record of driving targeting efforts, building relationships, and influencing buying decisions.
- A fundamental understanding of accounting concepts is required; prior experience in an Accounting or Finance role is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in assigned industry vertical.
- Impeccable written and verbal communication skills.
- Broad-based knowledge of Grant Thornton’s offerings, services, and applicability to business triggers.
The base salary range for this position in the firm's Los Angeles office only is $185,800 to $278,600.
The base salary range for this position in the firm’s San Jose, CA office only is $197,800 to $296,700.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the TeamThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here’s what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [email protected].
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
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